After returning from leading a World Challenge expedition in Southern India and Rajasthan, being back in Aotearoa, New Zealand is a blessing. And once again I have gained a new perspective on where my life is presently at.
Back in NZ I drink water and clean my teeth from a tap, I stand in a que without three others trying push over me. drove a car and at the intersection, I am the only one in line (the other opposite car was on the other side of the white line, and no one tooted their horn). I stand outside and deeply breathe the cleanest air you can imagine. I stand and look up in the quiet part of the night and lose count of the endless stars I can see. However, don't let that put you off travelling and visiting other parts of the world. It was worth every second!
The job in India was to lead an expedition with 18 people. To me, this is nothing short of 'exciting'. Especially when your task is to guide people in a foreign country you have never been, don`t speak the local language, and 16 of your clients are 16/17 year old with two unknown adults. What an edgy and brilliant prospect!
Initially, I thought I would have little chance for photography, however, as it turns out I had plenty. I just had to divide my brain up into safety work, leading/facilitating and taking opportunities to snap the camera. India is a smorgasbord of potential images. I would go back in a 'flash' to catch more.
Our first destination was Southern India, Kerala, Fort Cochin. This is the land of the spice and fishing industry. Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates and has more females than males as a population. It feels easy and calm to be around. There is a smaller division between cast systems however differences between poverty and the rich are still evident. Link to map of Kerala.
Fishing boats and large nets were a wonderful ground to get my head into shooting. However, with a group of 18 people and fresh into the country, I had not quite got into the groove. It would have been better to shoot at sunset and repositioned myself many times over. And getting to know some local people would help the shoot for real candid images.
Alleppey is one of the many destinations we stayed. This is a beach area many people visit for holidays. Swimming in the ocean is a warm welcome to the heat of the day. At Alleppey, accommodation near the beach is easy to find. I highly recommend Wind n Waves. The owner Harri, was outstanding for his help and service. It's a clean and wonderfully relaxed place to stay. Here I slowly tuned with India and the idea of photographing, while still leading my expedition well.
I would get up early (before my students did) which is always a great time to be up and wander along the beach. It was not uncommon to see fishermen returning from their morning catch. During the day they would tend to their nets, play cards and consider their next trip to harvest fish to sell. Check out my 'The Deal' image.
http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/Image-Folders-and-Galleries/International/Kerala-India/
So back to my challenge? I love my present job however, would like to branch my skills and experience outwards. I need to develop business opportunities to earn active and residual revenue. My biggest challenge is keeping clear about my goals and developing a business strategy on how am I going to do this? I welcome any comments for ideas and advice so I can learn from you.
Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson Photography NZ
This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1
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